Georgia fans are going to find out a lot about their team the next two Saturdays. Are the ’Dogs really a top 5 team, worthy of contending for a championship? Beat Tennessee and South Carolina and we’ve got a conversation.

The O-Line is about to get tested. The Vols’ front will provide a nice test. Then, it’ll be time to block the Gamecocks’ stud defensive end Jadaveon Clowney. It’s time to step up with the level of competition.

Kenarious Gates has been solid at left tackle, so far. But can he Hunker Down against Jacques Smith, the Vols’ best pass rusher? And don’t tell Aaron Murray, but expect to see Clowney lined up opposite freshman John Theus next week. The freshman hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. In fact, he’s getting pushed around some.

What can coach Mike Bobo do to protect Murray? The ’Dogs can “slide protect” or “chip” on Smith and Clowney. They can also get the tight ends involved with the protection. Those things can help.

Of course, feeding Todd Gurley in the run game would be a good plan. See how these pass-rushers like defending the run? Plus, Gurley is looking like a beast. Gurley is focused on not allowing one man to bring him down. Love that. He also is a north-south runner — he’s headed to the goal line, not the sideline.

Sounds like Malcolm Mitchell will be getting some more reps at wide receiver, too. Murray is excited about that. Mitchell’s a playmaker. Get him the ball. This makes sense, now that Bacarri Rambo and Sanders Commings are back in the secondary. Bet Champ Bailey will be watching Mitchell play both ways out in Denver.

Coming into the season, Murray needed to protect the ball better. And he’s done exactly that! But now, the heat gets turned up a bit. How does he handle that?

Sure hope to see him play it smart. Taking a sack isn’t such a bad thing, with the defense out there taking care of business. Trying to force one into coverage and getting it picked off is the wrong approach this season. Again, the defense should be tough enough to get the offense the ball back quickly. No need to force things. Punting isn’t so bad.

So, here we go. Time to take on some SEC heavyweights. Hope the O-Line is ready.